“Water Environment Technology?”
A Delta College open house, hosted by the Buena Vista Township Community Center, will explore yet another vocational education option that requires some schooling beyond high school, but not a full four years at a university.
The event is from noon to 2 p.m. on Thursday, June 22, and is free of charge for anyone who is interested, from BV and beyond. The community center is at 1904 South Outer Drive.
People who are not confident that they qualify are encouraged to at least inquire, because Delta specializes in remedial or “catch-up” education.
Water Environment Technology includes “environment” not just for the sake of creating a WET logo, but because this specific career field goes beyond pumping the water into our faucets. The H-2-O also needs to be clear and clean. Other environmentalists focus on green forests and trees, or on various dangers of pollution. Someone who chooses to pursue a WET profession becomes part of efforts to preserve the planet.
And of course, the money is good and the jobs are there, filling a need that always will be there, regardless of other ups and downs in the economy.
An advocate for this type of work is Van Jones, an activist seen on CNN who spoke in Saginaw two years ago. His commentary on social justice began with his book, “The Green Collar Economy,” in which he urges minority groups to become more involved in environmental concerns.
Locally, Pamela Pugh, product of Saginaw High and Delta, began her career as a Saginaw County environmental health officer. She now is the state Board of Education president and a U.S. Senate candidate.
Delta College has shuttered the Ricker Center in deference to its new downtown satellite, maintaining links with BV through the nearby community center.
